Simrad Radar and VHF Chosen for Coast Guard Patrol Boats

Simrad has been selected to supply radar and VHF communications equipment to 100 patrol boats currently in production for the Yemen Coast Guard. Delivery and installation of the CR44 radar and RD68 dVHF radios for the first 25 boats is underway. Installation will continue throughout the year with the final patrol boat completed by the end of 2004. The CR44 multi-function radar from Simrad’s xx44/54 series of professional GPS ChartRadars, Chartplotters, ChartSounders and ChartRadarSounders has been chosen as the main navigation tool onboard. Including an easy to operate control panel with quick response keys for each function, the CR44 has been designed with user-friendly, yet advanced operation at its core. It features high-speed processors, for very fast updates and redraw times in order to meet the ever-increasing demands of the modern navigator, and especially useful on high-speed patrol boats. Simrad’s RD68 dVHF radio with built in Class D DSC controller will provide the core means of communication for the coast guard patrol boats. The RD68 is a proven unit introduced to the market over two years ago. At the time it was one of the first systems to offer DSC functionality to the mass market. Since its introduction it has become one of the most popular DSC capable VHF radios due to its simple operation, reliability and ruggedised construction. Simrad’s distributor in Dubai, Emphor (previously Maritronics), won the contract amongst stiff competition. Ajith Kumar of the sales department at Emphor commented, “Simrad offers some of the most reliable equipment at this level of operation, ideal for the tough work that patrol boats undertake. This contract is interesting as the vessels will utilise powerful new technology in the CR44 and also tried and tested technology in the RD68.”